In case you weren't able to watch today's Major League Baseball draft or follow along with me and Andrew Johnson at our live blog of the festivities, here's a roundup of the guys who went in the first round to the teams of the American League East. Tampa Bay Rays (1) Tim Beckham, SS, Griffin (GA) H.S.: As expected, the Rays made Beckham the first overall selection of the draft. He was the best overall player on the board and the fact that it may take some time before he's ready for the big leagues shouldn't bother a Tampa team that's well stocked for the foreseeable future. Thinking long term and taking players like Beckham in the draft is an awfully good way for the Rays to remain that way.
Baltimore Orioles (4) Brian Matusz, LHP, Univ. of San Diego: The first pitcher selected could be a fast climber in the Oriole system. A tall lefty, Matusz (shown pitching for Team USA) isn't a power pitcher but has four above-average pitches and will need to be in the high minors before the Orioles know if he projects to the front, middle or back of the rotation. The key to that will be how well he learns to spot his fastball to set up his highly regarded breaking stuff.
